Water for Our Future - Our New Sunwater Agreement & Path Forward

Water is fundamental to our community, economy, and environment. In light of recent uncertainty around raw water supply, Livingstone Shire Council has resolved to purchase raw water allocations from Sunwater. The raw water allocation purchased is forever and positions Council to not only meet our current demands, but allows growth into the future.

This page explains the new agreement, what it means for you and why we are continuing to advocate for structural reform in regional water management.

Our Water Security Path - Recent Milestones

DateWhat HappenedImpact
2023Rookwood Weir completed; Livingstone allocated 4,000 ML of waterFormed the basis for our water entitlement
July 2025Rockhampton Regional Council resolved not to supply Livingstone raw water from its allocation at the Barrage, but would continue to treat Livingstone’s allocation when sourcedCreated risk and need for alternatives
October 2025Special Council meeting to explore options, including SunwaterCouncil continued a proactive strategy to find a solution
October 2025Sunwater presents draft proposal to LivingstoneA viable alternative emerges
October 2025Livingstone Shire Council resolves to purchase up to 6500ML from SunwaterLong-term security and price continuity achieved

What the Sunwater Agreement Delivers

  • Water security: Secures access to Livingstone’s 4,000 ML allocation from Rookwood Weir under a 10-year pricing arrangement which secures ownership of the allocation in perpetuity
  • Access via entitlement: utilises Livingstone’s 4,000 ML allocation from Rookwood Weir
  • Independence & control: reduces reliance on another local government’s decisions
  • Certainty for growth: enables infrastructure, development, and planning with confidence by being able to secure an additional 2500ML allocation.

What This Means for Residents

  • No immediate price impact: water bills remain stable under the new arrangement
  • Increased reliability: water supply less exposed to external political decisions
  • Clarity for future investment: Council can plan essential works, growth, and services knowing water is secured
  • Greater transparency: Council has full oversight of supply agreement terms.

Why This Move Was Necessary

The pathway to this agreement was not simple. Livingstone found itself needing to act because Rockhampton’s decision to withdraw from the prior supply arrangement left our community exposed to uncertainty. While we appreciated Rockhampton’s recent signals about reopening discussions, no formal deal materialised. In that context, moving with Sunwater represented the most responsible course of action for our residents.

What We're Doing Now

  • Implementing the Sunwater agreement
    We will finalise the contractual, operational, and technical steps needed to activate the supply arrangement for commencement at the end of this financial year.
  • Continuing our advocacy for reform
    The challenges we’ve faced affirm the need for higher-level leadership. We will continue pressing the Queensland Government to establish an independent, regionally focused water authority to ensure transparent, fair, and stable water governance across council boundaries.
  • Engaging and informing the community
    We will publish updates and invite questions. Your input and understanding are vital.

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